Alli Bean is an independent R&B/Jazz musician who resides in Victoria, BC, Canada. Her debut album, Outside Voice is set to release on all platforms on June 1st 2022. The first single, ‘Twenty Questions’ is sure to get your toes-a-tappin’ and If you count carefully, there are actually 20 questions in there!

We wanted to chat to Alli Bean about the making of the album, her musical influences, early memories, who she used to pretend to be when she was singing into her hairbrush in her bedroom and most importantly what she’s going to cook for the musomuso team when we descend upon Victoria, BC in the future.

For all of this and WAY more, carry on reading….

We know you’re called Alli Bean, we know you’re from Victoria, BC in Canada, tell me something about yourself that you’ve never told an interviewer before

In a previous life, I used to attend the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock, Nevada. I went for six years starting at the age of 17. In that time, I learned how to spin fire & hula hoop, which eventually became spinning a fire hula hoop that I had made myself out of irrigation tubing, kevlar strips, hockey tape & hardware. My flames stood a foot high. This was my pastime during the time I spent away from the piano. I have a lot less time for the hula hoop these days.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Tears for Fears' Sowing the Seeds of Love in my parents' car. That track noodled its way into my ears & some of the sounds freaked me out. It's funny to remember being unnerved by the primal screaming & opera in the mix. There are so many styles & sounds in that tune that my lively imagination ate it up. Today I love that tune for its political nature as well as the mix itself.

Would you say that you grew up in a musical house? If so, who played what instruments?

My parents are both music appreciators, but they both also joke about playing the stereo as a primary instrument. My sister loves music & has spent some time singing as well as playing drums. My grandfather & great uncle each played the accordion, though, so perhaps it skipped a generation.

Do you remember your first musical purchase? What was it, do you still have it and do you still play it?

I was really big on soundtracks when I was a kid. I was obsessed with the X Files & there was this album called Songs in the Key of X. That album was rad. That album introduced me to artists like Nick Cave, Filter, the Meat Puppets, Danzig & Elvis Costello. I wish I still had my copy, honestly. The cover art was particularly cool.

What about your first live music show that you attended who was it, where was it, who did you go with and what memories do you have from the show?

I went to Edgefest '99. It was July in Vancouver at Thunderbird Stadium. I was fourteen years old; I went with a boy I had a crush on but never told. I got to see a handful of my favourite acts. It was the first time I saw Big Wreck; that stands out to me. I still love them today. Hole was there too. I'll never forget Courtney Love telling off a group of rude men for touching her body when she came out into the audience. Wide Mouth Mason was there too. Their mosh pit was huge. I was in the middle of it & couldn't get out. I figured the only way out was up, so I poked the arm of a large line backer type guy, who gave me a boost & I crowd surfed my way out. When I got to the outside of the crowd, I noticed the hem of my Big Bell pantleg was torn off, so I sat down & tore the other hem off to match. Edwin was there too; he had just left I Mother Earth. I liked his solo work just as much.

Describe your sound to us in just 3 words

Jazzy, Sassy & Honest.

If you were to categorise your music, which section would we find it in a record shop?

That's a tough call, honestly! It's not straight-ahead Jazz, but it's not what we think of as Pop in this day & age. I like to call it Indie-Jazz-Pop. Is that a section of a record store?

You’re influenced by various artists including Wynton Kelly, Horace Silver, Fiona Apple and Amy Winehouse, what is it about these that you love?

Wynton Kelly had a happy style of comping. I love how he played such lush voicings combined with threads of the blues. He wrote a few solid tunes, but he died young so his body of work was limited. Sometimes I wonder what else he'd have written if he had survived for longer.

Horace Silver's compositional style was what hooked me in. I love his use of 13 chords, shots, & chromaticism. His comping style was laid back & riff-oriented, as well, which sets him apart in my mind from other Jazzers like Red Garland or Bill Evans. Hard Bop is one of my favourite subsets of Jazz.

Fiona Apple writes & sings honestly. Her vocal style is beautiful & raw. I can hear her joy, sorrow & anger. She also writes from personal experience; she's always been a symbol of bravery to me because she just is who she is.

Amy Winehouse is another one in that vein. She also was who she was; writing & singing her stories. Her sass was beyond measure while her voice was so sweet & clean, especially early in her career. That contrast is compelling to me.

Amy Winehouse had such an amazing style, watching her perform was incredible as she just had this really laid back ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude that made her come across as almost arrogant but she was SO talented, what do you like most about her?

You nailed it. I love exactly that about her. She was skilled & confident at her craft to a point where she didn't have to care whether or not people liked her attitude. She was kicked out of music school! I was never that badass.

Who was it that you used to impersonate whilst singing into your hairbrush in your bedroom?

It depends on the time period! Michael Jackson was my first vocal idol when I was around 10 years old, so of course he gets a mention. As a pre-teen, I got into Shaun Verreault of Wide Mouth Mason. He has a powerful vocal sound & his melodies were accessible to me. My Old Self & This Mourning were my go-to jams. In my teens, I was all about Mike Patton. I appreciated the variety in his vocal style & tried to emulate it wherever possible.

And who would you say made you want to become a musician/songwriter?

Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip. His writing was beautiful & his delivery was genuine.

If you were asked to nominate 3 acts for the headline slots at Glastonbury 2023, who would you choose and why? (I’ll let you choose from dead or alive acts/bands)

Big Wreck, Vulfpeck, & Tower of Power.

Would you rather be a hare or a tortoise?

These days? A tortoise, for sure. Slow & steady.

How would your friends describe you as a person?

Intense, most likely. Haha!

You’re based in Victoria, BC in Canada, describe the music scene there for me….

Vancouver Island's music scene is made up of pockets that intersect here & there. We have a great Jazz scene, as well as a fun Punk/Rock scene plus EDM. It all depends on which space you frequent. I love being multi-genre because I can slide into nearly any musical environment & find a place. Unfortunately the pandemic has shuttered a lot of venues; I hope that we get more of a lively scene as the restrictions lift.

Would you say that there is a common theme around musicians in your area (same styles) or do they tend to vary quite a lot?

Here we tend to all have some kind of Blues/Jazz threads, as our music schools tend to be Jazz oriented if they're not classical in nature. There's also a substantial Bluegrass & Folk scene, the further up-island you go.

Any local bands or acts that you feel need a mention?

The Femme Fatales are a great group of friends of mine. They've hauled so hard for so long to be a tight group of players. I came across them when Jona Kristinsson of Indie Entertainment found me online. I was fortunate to work with them in a different band context; they're a great group. They play rock & pop covers plus originals; they're working on original material as we speak.

The Grinning Barretts are also worth a mention; not just because I play with them, but because they had a great thing going before I joined them last year. Celtic Punk is a really fun genre & I envy our leader Pat Westmacott's lyrical chops. We're in the process of recording an album right now & I can't wait for the finish.

Best Laid Plans is another great group; they're lead by Nick LaRiviere. He's a powerhouse band leader on the trombone & his crew is always top-tier. His style always has twists of the blues & funk; the band's energy is infectious. I'd love to be on stage with this group.

Last but definitely not least is one of my colleagues from university, Keanu Ienco. He's an amazing guitar player who writes brilliantly. He has a calm, joyful energy in his presence & playing that is unique & inimitable. He just released his first solo album & I'm so glad for his success.

What do you LOVE and LOATHE about living where you do?

I love the scenery. It's such a privilege to live right by the ocean as well as mountains. I loathe the cost of living, of course, but I make it work.

Tell me about any local music venues that are doing their bit in helping to keep the scene alive

A depressing amount of venues in Victoria have closed permanently throughout the pandemic, but some have persevered.

First & foremost there's Hermann's Jazz Club in Victoria. This venue has been around for decades. When the owner passed away, it changed hands & is now owned by the Jazz on View Society, who holds fundraisers to keep the venue open. It's been hard to sustain with the pandemic, but people love Hermann's, so they've managed to stay afloat & give all of the jazzers a place to play. I've never had a bad experience playing there; I can't wait for next time. The space itself is beautiful, the stage is cosy, & the sound technician is knowledgeable & experienced.

Then there's The Queens Nightclub up in Nanaimo, BC. That's a large venue that always has local musicians & world-renowned acts alike. I loved playing there when I was fresh out of university. Through the pandemic, they've made adjustments to stay open & putting on shows. It was tough for them as a dance-oriented venue to stay open during the no-dancing period of the pandemic, but that restriction has since been lifted, so I can't wait to see them fill up again & get back to the crowds they used to see.

And last is the Duncan Showroom. They're a quirky venue in Duncan BC. It's set up like a theatre; no dance floor, no tables, no alcohol service. The venue has lots of random retro items; almost like a vintage store, but none of it is for sale. The guys who run the place have been pillars of the Cowichan Valley music scene for decades. They're laid back, super friendly, & they facilitate great shows. All of their shows are recorded & livestreamed; they have been since before the pandemic. They collect donations to stay afloat & help a lot of newer acts get heard locally.

You have a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies, tell me what the course consisted of as I imagine you laying around the bedroom listening to records all day long and after 3 years, BAM, a degree, clearly I’m wrong…..

Pursuing a Bachelor's in Jazz was indeed a super fun academic pathway. I can absolutely admit to lying around my bedroom listening to records all day long a few times, especially when I got into composition class in my third & fourth years. The rest of the time, though, I was tied to a piano in the early mornings, in class taking notes, working with various cobbled-together combos & bands, & building repertoire to begin gigging as soon as possible. Evenings were spent on written homework, or out jamming & playing with people in the community. I was lucky to meet some amazing players & make some great friends along the way. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

What did your final piece in your degree coursework consist of?

I had to do an Applied Performance Project. It involved performing a 45 minute set of  pieces that I composed or arranged. I had carte blanche to create whatever I liked, so I played originals plus two covers. I had to put the show together, get my own personnel, arrange the music, rehearse everyone, record a demo for the instructor, & make sure it all went according to plan. I'm so thankful for all of the support I had putting that together. The two instrumental songs on Outside Voice were written at the end of my degree & performed at my recital.

We’re coming to yours for a 3 course dinner, what are you going to make for us?

We'd start with some tea & Miso soup. Then some prawns cooked with butter & garlic, with some cauliflower bites on the side. After that, we'd have some halibut cooked in white wine sauce with capers, shallots & enoki mushrooms on a bed of cous cous. Steamed nettle leaves on the side with butter & lemon wedges. Paired with white wine or wheat beer if that's your jam. Finish with a home made Creme Brule & a shot of espresso.

You’ve played various venues around Vancouver Island including The Port Theatre, Hermann’s Jazz Club, Alix Goolden Hall and The Union Club of British Columbia, would you say that these are ‘classic’ venues? Who else has played there in the past?

Indeed these are classic Vancouver Island venues. The Port Theatre was finished in 1989 & has since seen the likes of great acts such as Bobby McFerrin, Big Wreck, The Tea Party, Natalie McMaster & others. The Port is a home to a lot of community performers as well. It's a great venue to get your feet wet when you're a budding musician as well as to put on a banger of a show when you're established.

Hermann's Jazz Club opened in 1981 & is world-renowned while also being home to local jazzers. I've heard at least one powerhouse musician describe it as her “second livingroom,” & that's honestly what it feels like. Great Jazz names like Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Wheeler, & Brian Auger have played their stage. It feels really cool to know you've stood on the same stage as those giants of jazz when you're just finishing highschool, or your second year of college.

Alix Goolden Hall was built in 1890. The building itself is majestic & gorgeous. It features a massive pipe organ on the stage as well as beautiful stained glass windows. The building is also attached to the Victoria Conservatory of Music, which makes it a go-to place for students to do their final showcases each year. AGH has seen talent such as Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Emmylou Harris, Leo Kottke & John Prine.

Founded in 1879, The Union Club of British Columbia is an exclusive venue. They have a list of members & a strict dress code. Its current building has been home to the Club since 1912. The building itself is a beautiful Italian Renaissance Revival style architechture, built on a slope overlooking the harbour. The view is amazing! Musicians often get hired to play background music for the guests at Union Club events; I was there as part of a quintet for the Lieutenant Governor's Ball. The ceremonial aspect of her presence was very cool! It's quite an interesting experience for a growing musician who has never seen the inside of such a club before.

You forged connections with West Coast talents Dave Friend and Stewart McLellan, I loved reading about this in your bio, please summarise how these guys have helped you with your music….

I worked with Stew in a band before the pandemic hit. He's a great guitar player & all around rad guy. He knows a lot about electro-drums, so he made those for me for the album. I've never actually met Dave in person, even now. We began work together during the pandemic on another project (Phil Bulmer's April Rain) & he was interested in doing the production work with me, so when it came time to work on Outside Voice, he was my go-to. He also plays the guitar work on the album. He's a great guy to work with because his feedback is honest, but not ego-driven; it's always delivered with kindness & professionalism.

I hear other instruments on your songs other than your voice and piano, who else contributed musically?

Dave Friend is on guitar, Stewart McLellan did the drums, & then I played the rest of the sounds on the Nord keyboard.

Your debut album Outside Voice is released on June 1st, how does it feel knowing that soon, everyone will be able to hear the fruits of your labor?

It's a blend of excitement & cringe. I've worked for a long time just to have something cogent to share; so I try to stay focused on the excitement. The cringe factor comes in when I stare down the vulnerability that comes with releasing personal music like this.

How are you planning on celebrating on release day?

Social media blitz the day-of, deffo. I'm hoping to do an album release party with my band the week that it drops.

I imagine that there were many songs that weren’t included on the album, have you any plans to release these as future tracks?

Certainly not all of them. Some of them are like the greasy pancake you have to make before you get into the fluffy groove of delicious pancake creation. Some of them make the cut, though, which is nice. I just don't like to have two songs with too similar of a message or sound on the same album.

Tell me how you approach song-writing, is there a set process that you follow? What comes first?

I tend to bounce around turns of phrase in my head, find a groove & then fit the pieces together. Sometimes I'm lucky & all of the pieces will show up at once in my head. I'll get a whole chorus or bridge or something; melody, lyrics & all at once for free, then I have to mine for the rest. Other times it's noodling around on the keyboard for chords & sounds & building from there. My main strategy is to write something small every day. From there, seeds germinate.

Do you write from personal experience? If so, is it sometimes hard to look back and bring up the past?

I do write from personal experience, almost exclusively. It feels the most honest at this time. Of course it's hard to look back sometimes, but I make peace with it along the way. Sometimes a song serves its purpose when I write it & perform it a couple of times. I have an instinct inside for when I'm finished with a song & I don't want to share it any more.

How will you be releasing the album? CD/Vinyl/Download/Streaming….Cassette?

Streaming, download & CD. I'm saving vinyl for my next release.

How does your live setup work? Do you have other musicians join you on stage? Do you have your own band?

Lately I've been working solo a lot, but I do have a band, yes. I'm so thankful for them. I have Alexandra Berg on backups, Lindsay Ward on backups & bass, Benjamin Groom on backups & drums, & Corey Fenster on guitar. We came out of the Soul Source R&B band; a community band here in town. We've worked together on & off for years & it's always a great time. This will be the first time that we're working a full set of my originals, which is an exciting step forward for this group after spending most of the pandemic apart working on our individual crafts.

You play a keyboard, have you ever played a full sized grand piano? If so, where was it and did you want to immediately go out and buy one for your home?

I've played a few grands in my day. I think only one full sized one at Alix Goolden Hall, if I recall correctly. It's a bucket list purchase. Some people want fancy cars, some want the best house on the hill, I'd like to invest a fortune into a grand. When I can afford a home large enough to accommodate such an item, plus the cost of maintaining it, I'll be going shopping. I'll be 110 years old, but that is what it is.

Staying on the topic of live music, with things starting to return to some form of normal, do you have any live shows pencilled in for the near future?

Indeed, yes! March will be busy; I have a mini tour with my Celtic Punk friends, The Grinning Barretts, playing in 3 cities in as many nights on the Island. I'll also be playing a solo set at Hermann's Jazz Club in early April. My two colleagues, Alexandra Berg & Frances Hope will be joining me for sets of their own & then we will close together. It's our first gig as a trio & we've had so much fun rehearsing so far.

What about festivals, anything we can share?

Festivals are on the horizon for me, I've no doubt. I heard a few drums in the deep about that recently, but I can't talk about it yet……watch this space (or my socials!)

What are your Saturday Night and Sunday Morning albums?

Saturday Night goes to Jamiroquai's Travelling Without Moving. I love this classic dance album to pump up my energy.

Sunday Morning goes to Big Wreck's Grace Street. It's a great ride through moods to wake up.

I’m going to give you a tip, go check out a band called Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, I think you’ll like them!

Thanks pal, I'll do that! ;)

We’re all off to the pub, what would you like to drink? Snacks?

I'll have yam fries & a diet coke, please, thanks!

What’s next for Alli Bean? 

The next album, of course! I'm currently working on my technical chops on piano & voice to ensure the next one is a big jump from the current one.

Lastly, would you rather be able to communicate with animals or speak every language in the world fluently?

Easy; communicate with animals. BS doesn't exist in their language.

We’d like to thank Alli Bean for chatting to us and we wish her every success with her debut album Outside Voice which will be available to all from June 1st 2022. In the meantime, have a look around any travelling circuses where you might just find her hula hooping with her homemade hoop of fire!

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